The Cumberland Pirates's recent rough patch got a bit rougher on Wednesday after their fourth straight loss. Their2023 ended with a 52-33 loss against Vandalia. While losing is never fun, Cumberland can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Illinois basketball rankings (they are ranked 569th, while Vandalia is ranked 283rd).
Several Pirates players turned in solid performances, despite ultimately coming up short. Perhaps the best among those players was Reed Miller, who scored six points along with five rebounds and four steals. Those five rebounds set a new season-high mark for him. The team also got some help courtesy of Zack Buescher, who scored four points along with three steals.
Cumberland has been struggling recently, as they've lost five of their last six matches, which put a noticeable dent in their 5-9 record this season. As for Vandalia, their victory was their third straight at home, which pushed their record up to 7-5.
Cumberland and Okaw Valley will face off at 11:00 a.m. on December 28th without much rest after finishing up games yesterday. Okaw Valley is coming into the game on a three-game losing streak. As for Vandalia, their homestand continues as they prepare to take on Shelbyville at 6:30 p.m. on December 28th. Shelbyville is coming into the game hot, having won their last four games.
